‘Fentanyl’ is the newest word on the block in Kenya, with everyone genuinely alarmed by its alleged use within our borders.
Some unverified, viral videos circulated online and in social networking groups have fuelled genuine concern, especially since the would-be users are depicted in stupefying poses.
It is important to start by understanding this wonder drug that has suddenly grasped national attention. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that was originally developed as an analgesic – or painkiller for surgery.
Illegally made fentanyl, however, is available on the drug market in different forms, including liquid and powder. In its powder form, it looks just like many other drugs and is commonly mixed with heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine then made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids.
Fentanyl-laced drugs are particularly dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl.
It was invented in the 1960s as a way to treat severe, acute pain, typically the pain associated with cancer and other debilitating health conditions. A patient can take prescription fentanyl as a skin patch, dissolvable tablets, or in a dissolvable film that is placed between the gum and cheek.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics in the United States of America, fentanyl and other opioids are fuelling the worst drug crisis in the history of the US. Statistics show that more than 1,500 people per week die from taking some type of opioid in the US.
David Kearns, a Professor of Psychology at the American University in Washington DC, observes that most illicitly manufactured fentanyl (and the chemicals used to produce it) comes from China or Mexico, and the US government has not been successful at stemming its flow into the country.
The key way in which fentanyl differs from other regular opioids, like morphine, codeine or even heroin, is potency as it is said to be stronger.
Towards the end of September last year, the US Customs and Border Control reported seizing a shipment arriving from South Africa containing enough fentanyl to kill 220,700 people.
No further explanation was provided, however, of how such a deadly opioid would have originated from an African country or if it was in transit.
Either snorted, sniffed, smoked, orally by pill or tablet, spiked onto blotter paper, patches, or sold alone or in combination with heroin and other substances, the opioid has been identified in fake pills, mimicking pharmaceutical drugs such as oxycodone.
Fentanyl effects and intoxication are similar to other opioids but more extreme. Its intoxication typically starts with feelings of euphoria, relaxation and pain relief but is quickly followed by dysphoria and apathy.
It reduces pain signals in the spinal cord and multiple areas of the brain. It also increases the production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for experiences of pleasure, pain and motivation.
While what is being consumed in the country has not been confirmed to be fentanyl, addiction is a serious medical condition and should never be taken lightly.
